25th March 2026

A Hardened Heart

"Pharaoh hardened his heart . . ."

Exodus 8:32

Today's Bible Reading: Exodus: 8:25-32.

In Exodus 8:32, we read that Pharaoh hardened his heart. This verse is part of the account of the plagues in Egypt, specifically after the fourth plague of flies. Despite experiencing the devastating consequences of the plagues, Pharaoh chose to resist and reject God's command to let the Israelites go. 

This verse raises an important question: Why did Pharaoh harden his heart? Throughout the narrative, we see a pattern of Pharaoh's stubbornness and pride. Pharaoh saw himself as a god and refused to acknowledge the sovereignty and authority of the true God, Yahweh. His heart was hardened because he was unwilling to humble himself and submit to God's will. 

Pharaoh's response serves as a cautionary reminder for us today. Sometimes, we too can harden our hearts in the face of God's Word and His calling in our lives. We may be resistant to change, unwilling to surrender our own desires, or unwilling to acknowledge our need for God's guidance. 

However, the consequences of a hardened heart are severe. Pharaoh's refusal to obey God resulted in further plagues and ultimately led to the death of the firstborn in Egypt, including his own son. Similarly, when we harden our hearts, we distance ourselves from God's grace, guidance, and blessings. 

The key lesson from this verse is the importance of cultivating a soft and receptive heart towards God. It requires humility, surrender, and a willingness to align our will with His. By doing so, we open ourselves to experience the abundant life and blessings that come from a relationship with God.  

Prayer: Dear Lord, soften my heart and remove any pride or resistance that hinders my relationship with You. In Jesus name. Amen.